Read @ NYTimes.com

Campaign Trailer

In Congressional Races, Nonprofits Outspend National Parties

By DAVID W. CHEN and ELIZABETH A. HARRIS

Published: October 22, 2010

When the United States Supreme Court allowed unlimited, and often anonymous, corporate political spending in its landmark Citizens United decision in January, many political analysts predicted that nonprofit groups would play a big financial role in several closely watched Congressional races in New York State.

But bigger than the Democratic and Republican Parties combined?

That is, indeed, what has happened in six New York districts where the election may play a critical role in deciding which party controls the House.

From Sept. 20 to Oct. 19, nonprofit groups poured more than $1.1 million into those races, or almost one-quarter of all spending, according to an analysis by the Campaign Media Analysis Group, which tracks political advertising.

That exceeds the $920,000 or so that has been expended by the Congressional campaign committees for the Democrats and Republicans in those districts — the 1st, 19th, 20th, 23rd, 24th and 25th Congressional Districts.

Virtually all of the spending benefited Republicans. The biggest investment occurred in the 20th District, in northern New York, where Representative Scott Murphy, top left, a freshman Democrat, is battling Chris Gibson, below left, a Republican. There, two groups, American Crossroads and the 60 Plus Association, have given $327,000 to help Mr. Gibson.

In central New York’s 24th Congressional District, where Representative Michael Arcuri, a Democrat, is battling Richard Hanna, a Republican, two groups, Americans for Job Security and the Center for Individual Freedom, have spent $293,000 on campaign commercials.

Nonprofits have also steered more than $222,000 to bolster Ann Marie Buerkle, a Republican who is challenging Representative Dan Maffei in the Syracuse area; and $141,000 to help Matt Doheny, a Republican who is challenging Representative Bill Owens upstate. Smaller sums have aided Nan Hayworth, a Republican who is challenging Representative John Hall in the suburbs north of New York City, and Randy Altschuler, a Republican who is challenging Representative Timothy H. Bishop in Long Island. The only Democrat to receive such support is Mr. Murphy, who has gotten $32,160 from a group called Citizens for Strength and Security.

Corporations and unions can now spend freely in campaigns, under the recent Supreme Court ruling, but must disclose their activities. That is why nonprofit groups, like the 60 Plus Association and American Crossroads, which are not required to disclose their donors, are appealing to politically active businesses that might want to conceal their donations. DAVID W. CHEN

Source Link to NYTimes.com

=====================

Should nonprofits be allowed to spend money on political activities?

If yes, should nonprofits disclose their donors (like corporations and political organizations have to disclose them?)?

Should advertisements funded by nonprofits have their CEO take responsibility and ownership of the content of advertisment with "I approve this message" at the end of the advertisement?